After easing pandemic and travel restrictions, Asia’s first international boat show, the 6th Thailand Yacht Show (TYS) took place at Ocean Marina Pattaya, from 9-12 June. Thai’s, expats & international visitors gathered at the show, happy that normalcy was returning. Attendees were presented with an excellent display of some of the world’s best-known yachting brands, as well as a whole range of water sports and smaller craft, complemented by an impressive showcase of luxury and classic cars.
Seen at the Opening Ceremony along with Mr. Andy Treadwell, CEO of Verventia Co., Ltd., the Show’s organizer, were H.E. Mr. Mohamed Jinah of The Maldives Embassy, Dato Steve Cheah, Diplomatic Council Head of Mission for Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, Ms. Wiparat Tharateerapab, Director of Strategy & Planning Division of the Ministry of Tourism & Sports, Sub. Lt. Pramote Tubtim, Pattaya City Manager and Acting Mayor of Pattaya City, Mr. Songwut Apirakkhit, Executive Director, Investment Management Division of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office in Thailand (EEC), Mr. Pierre Jaffre, Advisor to the EEC, Mr. Pairat Sukngam, Assistant Director of the Pattaya Office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), to name but a few of the distinguished guests.
Organized by Verventia Co., Ltd., the re-opening of the long-postponed four-day event was a welcome relief after being absent from the boating world’s calendar for almost 3 years, and choosing Ocean Marina Pattaya as the venue for the first of two scheduled Thailand shows in 2022 was strategically significant.
According to Mr. Andy Treadwell, CEO of Verventia Co., Ltd, “We need to focus on the Gulf of Siam and the Eastern Economic Corridor as well as Phuket and the Andaman. With its proximity to Cambodia, Vietnam, and China, TYS Pattaya is going to become really important in the immediate future, and we are working with the EEC Office to help develop the infrastructure necessary to make Thailand the international yachting and marina hub that it is quickly becoming.
Treadwell went on to say, “All our boat shows are really about building the industry in Asia and growing new consumers from all around this huge, wealthy region where hardly anyone knows about the pleasures of boating. The strategic role Verventia plays in helping to make this happen is only possible with support from governments, whose economies stand to benefit the most, as well as from our industry exhibitors, and especially partners like Ocean Marina who have provided such a wonderful setting for the new show.”
Thailand Yacht Show Phuket will take place at the end of 2022, closely followed by the Singapore Yacht Show in April 2023. The yacht shows are pivotal events to grow the future of yachting and the superyacht industry in Thailand and Asia.
Verventia recently announced two new major strategic partners to help sustain the growth they foresee. FLS Yachting Worldwide, is TYS’ Official Yacht Transport Partner & AXA General Insurance, as TYS’ Official Insurance Partner.
Yachting saw a world-wide boom as the pandemic changed the way people thought about holidays, and being around large groups of people. People who never thought about owning a boat before, suddenly realized the benefit of spending life on the sea surrounded by only family and friends.
According to Howard Prime, country manager for Simpson Marine, “It was great to be back on the docks meeting our clients in a real environment and having the ability to present many of the new and premiere models to our guests. Although the show was set up in a last-minute fashion due to unpredictable pandemic-related restrictions, we enjoyed a positive and energetic atmosphere, with a fair number of visitors coming from Bangkok and Pattaya’s neighbouring area.
No less than 5 yachts were sold during the TYS Pattaya event, with the most expensive being worth approximately THB 180 million (or over US$ 5 million), and another one awaiting confirmation. In addition, Simpson Marine utilized the TYS platform to launch its Sailing Academy selling several courses, while German Auto, a local BMW dealer, made sales of 6 BMW cars. Apart from the sales, exhibitors and sponsors reportedly made a raft of new contacts for future potential business, and, of course, visitors had fun viewing the collection of over 40 Classic Cars on display, while being entertained by the DJ and fabulous Alexa Showgirls courtesy of the Alexa Beach Club.